Today, several hybrid chestnut trees were inoculated with a fungal culture of Cryphonectria parasitica, which causes chestnut blight, to evaluate the resistance of each tree, at Dr. Joe James’s Chestnut Return Farm. Jamie Van Clief, TACF’s Southern Regional Science Coordinator, directed volunteers for this important work. Clemson professor Dr. Haiying Liang and her students, Roger and Sky, participated. Also, Katie Biggert, from the South Carolina Forestry Commission inoculated trees. Peggy MacDonald, NC/SC Chapter President was also present to help.
Jamie demonstrated the method of inoculating trees with the fungus.
Dr. Joe James with Clemson student Roger.
Clemson students Roger and Sky inoculating hybrid chestnut trees.
Dr. Haiying Liang inoculating chestnut hybrids with Sky and Roger. This was a great hands-on experience for her students.
A healthy F1 American/Chinese hybrid chestnut at the Chestnut Return Farm.
Dr. Joe James with the volunteers on a beautiful spring day.
